This document defines a tabletop exercise as a facilitated discussion to evaluate coordination and integration among participants. It describes the key characteristics and components of a tabletop exercise, including the 8 design steps used to develop the exercise narrative, major and minor events, expected actions, and messages. The document outlines best practices for facilitating a tabletop exercise, such as setting the stage, involving all participants, and focusing on in-depth problem solving.

1. UNIT 11 Discussion Based (Tabletop) Exercises

2. UNIT 11 Objectives AT THE END OF THIS SESSION, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO: Define the purposes and characteristics of a tabletop exercise Describe the 8-Exercise Design Steps as used for a tabletop exercise Describe facilitator skills necessary to conduct a tabletop exercise

3. TABLETOP EXERCISE Methodologies PLENARY Conducted in a large room or auditorium Group players by function or responsibility No small group discussions Active facilitation BREAKOUT Divided into small groups at different tables Players seated at separate tables according to common interests or responsibilities Each group reports back to the reassembled plenary

4. TABLETOP EXERCISE Categories Basic – The complete scenario is provided to the players and remains constant Advanced - Scenario advances through delivery of pre-scripted messages from the beginning to the end

5. TABLETOP EXERCISE Common Features Group problem solving Familiarize senior officials with their responsibilities Conduct of a specific case study Examines personnel contingencies Examination of group message interpretation

6. Participation in information sharing Assessment of interagency coordination Achievement of limited or specific objectives Preparation for a more complex exercise TABLETOP EXERCISE Common Features

7. TABLETOP EXERCISES Informal discussion to evaluate, clarify or resolve questions of coordination & integration Facilitated group discussion/ problem solving Narrative, messages, or problem statements used to drive discussion

8. TABLETOP CHARACTERISTICS PURPOSE Solve problems as a group FORMAT Discussion guided by facilitator No simulators No elaborate facilities or communications EVALUATION Observers may be present Success measured by participant feedback, impact on policies, plans, procedures

9. PROBLEM STATEMENTS, MESSAGES PRESENT VERBAL PROBLEM STATEMENTS TO: Group Individuals, then open discussion to group DELIVER PRESCRIPTED MESSAGES TO INDIVIDUALS, WHO COORDINATE WITH OTHERS AND RESPOND

10. DESIGNING A TABLETOP EXERCISE Use 8 step process, job aids Steps 5-8 are simplified: Only partially simulated Little scripting No simulators Informal evaluation

11. 8 DESIGN STEPS 1. Needs Assessment 2. Scope 3. Purpose statement 4. Objectives 5. Narrative 6. Major events/minor events 7. Expected Actions 8. Messages

12. APPLYING THE DESIGN STEPS NARRATIVE Shorter Printed (or in person, TV, radio) As a whole or in parts Discussion items EVENTS Closely related to the objectives Only a few are required Used as basis for problem statements

13. APPLYING THE DESIGN STEPS EXPECTED ACTIONS List serves as a basis for developing problem statements and messages “Actions” may be discussion that leads to change MESSAGES A few may suffice May relate to major or detailed events

14. FACILITIES AND MATERIALS Operations Center or Conference Facility Materials: Emergency plans Maps Other references

15. KEY ACTIONS Set the stage Involve everyone Focus on in-depth problem solving

16. FACILITATING THE EXERCISE STRATEGIES FOR SETTING THE STAGE Welcome Briefing Narrative Ice breaker

17. FACILITATING THE EXERCISE STRATEGIES FOR INVOLVING EVERYONE Organize messages Encourage Elicit - do not provide - solutions Eye contact Positive Reinforcement Redirect if necessary

18. UNIT SUMMARY Reviewed how a tabletop exercise works Discussed facilitation guidelines Examined how the eight design steps are applied to tabletop exercises Developed problem statements and messages

19. QUESTIONS?